In addition to the traditional El Grito commemorating Mexico's independence from Spain, cities and pueblos througout the country elect a queen to preside over fiestas celebrating this important holiday.

Last night in Yelapa was no exception. The community gathered to watch four beautiful girls compete to become Yelapa's queen. The girls were judged by a panel of teachers and community members and the event was organized as a benefit to raise money for the graduating students from the Escuela Telesecondaria.

Categories included appearances in evening gowns, traditional Mexican clothing and casual wear. This year's event also included talent and an oral presentation of each girl's goals and aspirations for the future. Like beauty competitions everywhere, all of our girls' goals are to do wonderful things for Yelapa and Mexico....

Most surprising is the confidence and poise of these young women, aged 12-14. They all handled the last minute change of locations, due to ever looming rain, with nary a stutter or stammer or trip or slip. They are all absolutely delightful and each and every one would be a wonderful representative for Yelapa.

While the judges tabulated the results, a group of younger girls entertained with very popular dance routines. Being Yelapa, there were tremendous cheers, foot stomping, horn blowing and pan banging all at a decible level equal to el presidente Calderon's Grito in the Zocalo in Mexico City as the emcee called out each girl's name over and over. We will not be outshouted except by each other!

Only one girl can ever win....and I am very pleased for you to make the acquaintance of Senorita Iris Amairani, La Reina de las Patrias en Yelapa and a very popular choice. Iris is the daughter of Roberto and Hortencia, owners of Yuri's Tienda.

Congratulations to all of our princesses. We all have so many fond memories of watching these girls grow - Natalia playing with her Barbies in front of her mom, Rocio's panaderia; Iris helping in the store when she was too tiny to reach the counter; Natali with her brother and Sister, impish and swimming along with us in front of Tino's restaurant, managed by her parents, Miguel and Malana; Alma - oh Alma, how we all have watched you growing up, totally bilingual thanks to Mexican dad, Ernesto and American mom, Pegge, both maestros in our schools. Our memories are of babys, toddlers and now of princesses and queens. Thanks for the memories!